After what was a few slow weeks since the 2019/20 season was concluded, Milan are making waves on the transfer market. At least in the newspapers, thus far. In addition to the renewal of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, which more or less has been confirmed by the Swede, the Rossoneri are ready to make some important signings.
Stefano Pioli’s men did well to finish in sixth place this past season and inarguably was one of the best top two Italian teams in the post-lockdown period. Not just in terms of the standings, which show that Milan finished in second place this year, but also their style of play and the new-found mentality in the squad.
However, in order to compete for a top-four finish, the Rossoneri need some reinforcements. Their depth was acceptable towards the end of the season but a few frequently used rotation players have since left, such as Jack Bonaventura, and others are expected to leave too which will leave some gaps.
Above all, Milan have been linked with three players in the last few days, with some reports even suggesting that deals are close. This can mainly be said about Tiemoue Bakayoko and Brahim Diaz, while the negotiations for Sandro Tonali remain tough as the Rossoneri are attempting to hijack Inter’s pursuit.
According to Antonio Vitiello, Paolo Maldini has made an offer for Brescia to consider: a €10m paid loan with an option to buy at around €20m. The newly-relegated side would like to make it an obligation and potentially also increase the cash part, but negotiations continue and it seems Inter are slacking behind.
“I appreciated Maldini’s seriousness, which confirms the historic one of Milan. I don’t add anything else because I don’t want to be inappropriate. Marotta? He has always confirmed Inter’s strong interest in the player.
“I have always avoided negotiations with other clubs, including foreign ones. But the boy also needs to know what his future is: I’m in no hurry but Tonali is,” Brescia president Massimo Cellino told Sky Italia.
As for Bakayoko and Diaz, the negotiations with Chelsea and Real Madrid are at an advanced stage and the Rossoneri seem to be just details away from securing the duo. Both are expected to arrive on the same formula: a loan with an option to buy, which evidently is Maldini’s favourite.
In other words, three very good signings could arrive at the club very soon – three players that arguably would increase the quality of the team. Sure, some might say that it’s unnecessary to sign both Bakayoko and Tonali, seeing as we already have Ismael Bennacer and Franck Kessie for the midfield tandem.
That being said, though, it would make for some healthy competition and it’s not excluded that Pioli could experiment with other formations depending on the opponent, which subsequently could make more space for the midfielders. In any case, it’s nice to see that Milan are making some moves on the market.
Few but targeted signings, that has been the motto all along, and if the rumours are true then the Rossoneri faithful will be very pleased with the mercato. After all, this squad doesn’t need tons of changes rather just a few upgrades and depth signings. Maldini and Ricky Massara should have no issues taking care of this.
The confidence in them perhaps was a bit questioned at the start of the post-season period, seeing as the Ibrahimovic renewal was dragged out a lot, but now the directors are certainly showing what they are capable of.
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